News

OLYMPIA — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke to strengthen protections against AI-generated impersonations and other digital misuse of a person’s identity was signed into law today, Monday, March 16, by Gov. Bob Ferguson. Substitute Senate Bill 5886 updates Washington’s personality rights law to address the growing use of artificial intelligence to create realistic but...

OLYMPIA — Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, issued the following statement after the latest state operating budget proposal removed a previously approved public defense funding provision and bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing Washington’s growing public defense crisis stalled this session. Earlier this session, the Senate approved a proposal dedicating seven percent of revenue from the Democrats’...

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community in the 31st Legislative District. In Olympia, I’m focused on practical solutions that keep Washington affordable, ensure accountability, and reflect the common-sense priorities of the people I work for every day. Today marks another deadline — Policy Committee Cutoff in the opposite chamber. From here, the focus...

OLYMPIA… Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, and Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, released the following statements after learning that Senate Bill 5977 will not be moving forward in the House of Representatives. Senate Bill 5977 would require the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to publish reports on child near-fatality reviews, bringing those cases in line with existing...

Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, shares his perspective on two controversial bills. First, he examines a proposal to seal records for individuals who change their gender identity, raising concerns about its potential clash with an initiative protecting girls’ sports. Then, he dives into a second bill that would impose new qualifications for elected sheriffs — requirements...

The following opinion-editorial appeared in the Free Cheney Press on Feb. 11, 2026: Kennewick is facing a decision that will affect families for years to come: whether a home for sexually violent predators is placed in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Parents are asking reasonable questions. Law enforcement is raising legitimate concerns. Neighbors want...

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate today unanimously approved Senate Bill 5977, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres, 15th Legislative District. The legislation would require the public release of child near fatality review reports conducted by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The bill passed the Senate unanimously, 47–0 and now heads to...

Welcome to the first episode of The Mighty 8th Podcast, coming to you from Olympia and focused on giving the 8th District a strong voice in state government. Sen. Matt Boehnke joins the show to discuss two of the most pressing and controversial issues facing the 8th Legislative District and communities across Washington. The conversation...

OLYMPIA — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ron Muzzall to crack down on reckless driving and make Washington roads safer continues to advance through the legislative process, and was highlighted in the governor’s State of the State address. Senate Bill 5890 would expand negligent driving in the first degree to include cases where a driver is...

First, I want to thank the families and community members who joined us last Monday night in Kennewick for the town hall on the proposed less restrictive alternative (LRA) placement. I was encouraged by the strong turnout and deeply appreciate everyone who took the time to show up, ask questions, and share personal concerns. When...

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, shares a legislative update on ongoing efforts to address the proposed less-restrictive alternative (LRA) housing placement in Kennewick. From Olympia, he discusses how community input, town hall feedback, and constituent concerns are shaping legislation to protect families, children, and neighborhoods while ensuring public safety across the Tri-Cities and Washington state.

OLYMPIA — Sen. Matt Boehnke and Sen. Nikki Torres have introduced a comprehensive package of legislation to close dangerous gaps in Washington’s handling of less restrictive alternative (LRA) placements for sexually violent predators, prioritizing the safety of families, neighborhoods, and children across the state. “These are not abstract policy debates; they affect real neighborhoods, real...